Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago Architecture Center is a nonprofit exhibition center and tour operator at 111 E Wacker Dr, at the Michigan Avenue bridge in the Loop. The center runs the 90-minute river cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady, narrated by volunteer docents trained by the center, plus walking and bus tours and the free October weekend called Open House Chicago. Upstairs galleries hold a scale model of the city, and there is a design store on the ground floor.

What to know

• River cruise tickets start at $57, and the 2026 season runs March 15 through November 22.
• The boat dock is across the street at 112 East Wacker, down the stairs under a black awning at the southeast corner of the bridge.
• Arrive 30 minutes before departure; missed boats are not refunded, and the center says resale tickets are not valid.
• Regular gallery admission is $15, or $5 when added to a cruise ticket.
• Sunday departures sell out in summer, so buy ahead.